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I. O. MANN &- G. R RANKIN.

METALLIC COUNTERS OR STIFFENERS FOR BOOTS AND SHOES.

No. 192,442. Patented June'ZS, 1877.

N-PEIERS, PHDTO-UTHOGRAFHER, WASHINGTON. D. C.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

IRA O. MANN AND GEORGE R. RANKIN, OF LAKE CITY, COLORADO.

IMPROVEMENT IN METALLIC COUNTERS 0R STIFFENERS FOR BOOTS ANDSHOES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 192,442, dated June 26, 1877 applicati'em filed May 5, 1877.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, IRA O. MANN and GEORGE R. RANKIN, of Lake City, in the county of Hinsdale and State of Colorado, have invented a new and Improved Boot- Oounter, of which the following is a specification:

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 represents a side view of a shoe with our improved counter attached; Fig. 2, a detail side View of the counter detached, and Fig. 3 a perspective of the washer introduced between corners of counter and boot.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

The object of this invention is to furnish an improved metallic outside. boot-counter, that prevents the crushing down or running over of the heel, protects the back of the boot against wear, protects the eye-seam, keeps the boot in proper shape, and the inner counter dry, gives support to the ankle of the wearer, and adds to the symmetry of the boot instead of detracting from the same.

It has been for a long time a desideratum to furnish a boot for miners, lumbermen, farmers, and others with a counter which will sustain the severe wear and tear to which such boots are exposed, and which will preserve at the same time its shape and perform its office until the boots should be otherwise worn out. This has hitherto not been accomplished successfully, and our invention is intended to supply this need by a simple and easily adjusted metallic counter, which is applied to the outside of the boot provided with holes along the upper and side edges for stitching, and with flanges along the same for lapping over and protecting the same.

In the drawing, A represents an outside metallic counter, which is provided with a number of perforations, a, along the sides and top edge. Flanges B runs along the sides and top of the counter, and are lapped over the counter, as shown in Fig. 1, when the seam is finished.

The lower edge of the counter is serrated 0r scalloped to be bent inwardly on the heel in the same manner as in inside counters.

The counter is attached by being first tacked to the boot by means of three small tacks, one at each corner, and one in the center, the metallic counter corresponding in height with the inside counter. When tacking the counter to the boot a leather washer, O, is placed between each corner of the counter and the boot, extending from the front of the counter back to and covering the seam, thereby making the corners secure and giving great strength and support to the counter. Both counters are then sewed firmly together, the thread passing through the holes, washers, and inside counter, which has not been previously sewed. Theflanges B are then turned down, entirely covering the sewing, thereby making the counter impervious to sand and water. Then the counteris pierced at each corner and riveted, as shown in Fig. 1, the boot being then lasted in the usual manner.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

1. An outside metallic counter for boots and shoes, having perforations along the sides and top edge for sewing into the inside counter, and side and top flanges for lapping over and protecting the seam, substantially .in the manner and for the purpose specified.

2. The combination of an outside metallic counter, having perforations and flanges, with the upper and the inside counter, and with an interposed washer, all stitched together and riveted at the corners, substantially as and for the purpose specified.

IRA *OTIS MANN. GEORGE READ RANKIN.

Witnesses:

J. J. ABBOTT, Jr.,. 151. M. Wool). 

